Working P90X around everything else.

Sorry for the poor quality picture. I thought they were so cute, so I just grabbed my phone.

I purchased P90X around this time last year. I did it, along with it's nutritional plan, for 2 weeks straight. I was able to lose 13 pounds of the 25 pounds I needed to lose after having baby #4. It was really hard for me to do it along with all the daily activities that go on around here. I was very shaky, and would get work-out headaches in the afternoons. To me, it just wasn't worth it. I was by no means over weight, I was just trying to get back to a comfortable size, along with being a little healthier.

I've gone back to it throughout the year, but something would always come up, and I wouldn't make it past day 2. I started back this week, always on a Monday, and it's going really well. I haven't missed a day, and I am able to move around today without the constant ouch remarks. The biggest problem I have with working out is, not wanting to give up time for it. So, I started getting up at 4:00, instead of 5:00, and that gives me 2 hours before I have to get Logan up for school. It wasn't hard for me to wake up at 4:00, but for any of you who have done the first 2 days of P90X, you will understand that painfully, it is hard to get out of bed. Yesterday and today were those mornings, so I popped in the DVD to see what the kids would do. We spend a good bit of the day dancing around the living room, so I figured we would try it. They loved it! Either exercising was the funniest thing, or watching me try to keep up was the funniest. Nevertheless, we all got a great workout.

I believe in learning through play, and it goes the same with exercise. Children really need to learn the importance of exercise, so why not add another good habit to their daily activities. I did have to stop more than I would on my own, but I still felt great afterward.

My point for sharing this is to maybe motivate a mom who would like to workout, but can't figure out the timing. I know that not everyone can get up so early, but if it's important, it can be done. For my own benefit, I choose to continue setting my alarm for 4:00, but it is nice to have a backup plan as well. Who knows, when my kids get a little older, maybe they will want to get up early and pump some iron with me. :)

Valentine's Day at Briar Hill Rest Home

 In my last post I spoke of helping couples who are expanding their families through adoption. James 1:27 is the reason for our mission. That verse not only commands us to look after orphans, but widows as well. On Saturday, Logan and Lana made 60 valentine hearts for the Briar Hill Rest Home in Florence, MS. On Sunday afternoon, we went from door to door to share a little love.

 I am so proud these two. They were a little nervous at first, but quickly warmed up to wishing everyone they saw a Happy Valentine's Day, and handing them a heart. Some of the residents even got a hug from Logan, if they asked.

Even the kids could tell how happy the people were to see them. They did have some questions about some of them, but they were very kind.

 When we got back to the car, they both said how much fun that was and that they would like to do that again. And, we will.

 Logan and Lana had fun, but more importantly they learned that it only takes a few minutes out of our busy lives to put a smile on someone's face.

James 1:27 NIV 

²⁷ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.